Duo jailed after attempting to pickpocket 10-year-old child

A duo who targeted a young child while pickpocketing on the London Underground have been jailed.

Daniela-Catita Bobocel, 35, and Narghita Iancu, 41, both of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempted theft at Central London Magistrates’ Court on August 18.

Bobocel was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment and Iancu was sentenced to 14 weeks.

On July 12, plain clothes officers were on patrol at Tottenham Court Road Underground when Bobocel and Iancu caught their attention.

They noticed they were looking closely at other passengers and their property as they entered and exited the station.

The officers said they observed Bobocel and Iancu approach an elderly woman and attempt to move towards her rucksack. On this occasion, the woman moved away out of their reach before an offence could take place.

They unsuccessfully targeted two further women before setting their sights on a 10-year-old child.

Officers watched as they used a scarf to cover his bag and Bobocel put her hand in to steal from it. At this point an offence had been committed and officers arrested them.

Inspector Sharon Turner said: “Bobocel and Iancu are professional criminals who quite sickeningly, deliberately preyed on a young child after unsuccessfully attempting to steal from adults.

“Thankfully our specially trained plain clothes officers were able to intercept them in the act and ensure they are now behind bars.

“Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe. If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016.”

Pictured top: Daniela-Catita Bobocel, 35, and Narghita Iancu, 41 (Picture: British Transport Police)